Despite Texas Opposition, Panel Approves Assault Weapons Ban

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved an assault weapons ban, this despite the objections of two Texas Senators.

Senator John Cornyn led the argument against the ban pointing to every citizen’s right to bear arms. “I just think it’s inadequate and you are criminalizing otherwise law abiding citizens, inappropriately in my view,” he said.

Senator Ted Cruz then argued with California Senator Diane Feinstein asking if she would limit the first amendment as well. “Would she consider it constitutional for Congress to specify that the First Amendment shall apply only to the following books,” Cruz questioned. Feinstein responded, “Just know that I’ve been here for a long time. I’ve passed on a number of bills. I study the constitution myself. I am reasonably well educated and I thank you for the lecture.”

Cornyn also argued that Americans face a different kind of threat with drug cartels crossing the border, with heavy firepower. “Criminals are going to have access to the whole range of weapons that they will have access to, because they don’t care about the laws that are passed. And we’re gonna give the American citizen a pea-shooter to defend themselves with.”

Senator Feinstein countered that Congress has the power to ban military type guns and questioned the reason for everyday citizens to have them. “Do they need other high-powered weapons that military people use to kill in close combat? I don’t think so,” she said.

The assault weapons ban measure passed with a 10-8 vote. Surviving in the Democratic-controlled committee does not ensure success for the proposal. The measure will face an uphill effort in the full Senate.